This year marks the first time that I was elligible to vote and I proudly did so. I believe that it is really important for young people to vote and show an interest and represent our generation. Clearly this election has produced more young voters than ever and it is a great thing! The topic that I would like to discuss is the media’s role in this election and the negativity of this campaign year from both sides. As a college student I find it inappropriate for some of my professors to talk about their party affiliation or where they stand in the election. Even amongst my peers I find italking about politics to be a very sore subject in discussion. Whether you are for Obama and McCain or simply chose not to vote for personal reasons I do not believe that it is healthy for others to chime in with their opinions. During this election season I felt uneasy answering questions about whom I was voting for in fear or being judged by my decisions. People have had such strong opinions about who they choose to vote for that is created uneccessary division and to some extent conflict amongst American Citizens. In these economic and global hard time I feel that our nation and the world has enough anamosity for each other that we do not need to add fuel to the fire by disrespecting each others opinions.
Moving on to the media it is very scary that certain channels and outlets have basically chosen to support one candidate over another. How can American get the facts when you have biased networks and organizations? The answer is you simply cannot and that is unfair. I like reading the news and watching it on televison but i have become upset by the route that the media has chosen to go. It is up to the candidates to battle it out and make accusations against each other not the media. The media is there to represent important information not opinion. I felt that Obama and McCain parties were heavily impacted by the medias biased representations. For future elections I hope that as American citizens we have the opportunity to get just the facts and not contrived stories from our media sources.
On a positive reflective not I am looking forward to what the next presidency will bring America. This election has accomplished many great things for this country. As a justice major it is wonderful to see a female run for president and vice president along with an african american being elected president. America has come a long way from its beginning and we should embrace the open equality and new opportunities for all.
